Middleweight king backs Martinez to beat Frampton inside the distance

Middleweight king Sergio Martinez has predicted a stoppage victory for Kiko Martinez when he fights British prospect Carl Frampton in Belfast on February 9.

Sergio, no relation to European super bantamweight champion Martinez – who he manages – is confident about his fighter's chances against the undefeated, highly-rated Frampton and believes him capable of ending the progress that could force a significant fight with domestic rival Scott Quigg.

'We are very happy for this fight because it’s going to be like a world title eliminator,' the WBC middleweight champion said.

Confident: Sergio Martinez is confident namesake Kiko has what it takes to defeat Carl Frampton

'Frampton is a very good fighter but he won’t be able to live with Kiko for a long fight. Kiko is a true champ who has only a goal, to become a world champion.

'I have known Kiko for many years now. He works very, very hard and he is in tremendous shape for this fight. He is the main man in Europe in the super bantamweight division and he’ll prove that in Belfast.'

Former middleweight world title challenger Andy Lee, who has not fought since his defeat to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr – who Martinez incidentally defeated in his last fight – features on the Belfast undercard.